medicinal herbsChinese DodderCuscuta chinensis

Herb: Chinese Dodder

Latin name: Cuscuta chinensis

Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning-glory Family)

Medicinal use of Chinese Dodder:

A lotion made from the stems is used in the treatment of sore heads and inflamed eyes. The seed is aphrodisiac, demulcent, diaphoretic, hepatic and tonic. It is decocted and used with other herbs to treat a variety of ailments. In particular, it is used in the treatment of impotence, nocturnal emissions, vertigo, lumbago, leucorrhoea, frequent micturation, decreased eyesight, threatened abortion and chronic diarrhoea.

Description of the plant:

Plant:

Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Near seashores, C. and S. Japan. Fields, open mountain slopes, thickets and sandy beaches at elevations up to 3,000 metres in most parts of China.

Propagation of Chinese Dodder:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, by lodging it among the stems of a host plant.

Cultivation of the herb:

Near seashores, C. and S. Japan. Fields, open mountain slopes, thickets and sandy beaches at elevations up to 3,000 metres in most parts of China.